Cocktail Builder
Tips, tricks, and advice for mastering mixology.
The 5 Essential Cocktails You Need for Fall

Maker’s Mark Cocktail Fall has officially arrived and you know what that means: changing colors, warmer clothes, and swapping out summer’s light and refreshing cocktails for drinks that make us feel toasty inside. The following five cocktails, many made with fresh and seasonal ingredients, are essential sipping for autumn. They’re so delicious, you’ll almost forget you had to wave goodbye to summer. Forbidden Apple Now don’t hate us, but we’re actually glad summer is over. Saying “so long” to triple-digit temps is definitely cause for celebration. Bust out that bottle of bubbly you’ve been saving for an updated take on the classic Champagne Cocktail. Made with apple brandy and Grand Marnier, the Forbidden Apple is crisp, festive, and bright. See recipe Spiced Pear Bellini Don’t put that Champagne away just yet. Bubbly pairs perfectly with pears, which are now in peak season. A hint of nutmeg and cinnamon make the Spiced Pear Bellini especially appropriate for the fall. Of course it can enjoyed at any time of day, but it’s ideal served alongside a hearty brunch. See recipe Bourbon Cider Cocktail There’s no better time for drinking whiskey than the fall. And there’s few better companions for whiskey than dry apple cider. Mixed with a touch of sugar and a little bitters, the Bourbon Cider Cocktail is sweet, fruity, and bold. Those who typically aren’t into beer might find this to be the perfect substitute for Sunday Night Football. See recipe Pumpkin Old Fashioned Pumpkin in a cocktail? You better believe it. While the fruit is most frequently used as a Halloween decoration or baked into a pie, the sweet and earthy squash goes equally well in a drink. This autumnal version of an Old Fashioned blends pumpkin puree and ginger snap liqueur for a boozy version of a cookie. Skip dessert and craft one of these instead. See recipe Hot Toddy When the weather really starts to cool down, nothing warms us up quite like a hot toddy. The classic combines whiskey with sugar, hot water, and lemon for the ultimate comforting concoction. It’s also said to help ward off a cold or the flu — so long as you stick to one or two. See recipe Photo credit: Maker’s Mark